Western Australia has lifted the five-day snap lockdown imposed on Perth and surrounding areas, however, restrictions stay in place for locals. The lockdown ended at 6 pm local time on Feb 5 after Mr. McGowan and Health Minister Roger Cook earlier urged Western Australians to get back out and assist local businesses and cafes.”I’d urge Western Australians to get out there and assist local businesses over the coming days,” Mr. McGowan mentioned.
“Keep COVID-19 safe when you do. Remember to put on a mask. check-in on Safe WA or the contact register, wash your hands, and try to maintain a distance between others.”Those COVID-safe guidelines are essential to limiting the spread of the virus and also ensuring we have systems in place to track down the virus if it is lingering in the community.”Perth and surrounding areas were put in lockdown after a quarantine hotel worker was recognized with the virus at the weekend, after months with no single infection within the state.
“The short five-day lockdown has done the job it was designed to do, to reassure us there is no community spread,” Mr. McGowan mentioned.”I regret and apologize for any stress, loss, or inconvenience the events of this week may have caused.”However, Mr. McGowan mentioned some restrictions will remain in place for the Perth and Peele regions till 12.01 am on Sunday, February 14 to allow the full 14-day incubation period to run its course.
Mr. McGowan thanked Western Australians for their hard work in complying with lockdown arrangements. “Thanks to each Western Australian,” he mentioned.”The sacrifices made this week, the commitment by everybody to do the right thing, has been incredible. It has shown, once again, that Western Australians have risen to the challenge and got the job done.”
Perth’s new guidelines
• Wearing a mask in public and at work, unless you are partaking in vigorous outdoor exercise or remain exempt.
•Reopening of all businesses, except for casinos and nightclubs
• A four-square-meter capacity rule shall be in place for businesses and venues, with a maximum capacity of 150.
•A 150-person capacity limit shall be in place at all events including weddings, funerals, and group sport.
• Hospitality services will have seated service only.
• Dancing will only be allowed at weddings and dance studios.
• Private indoor and outdoor gatherings shall be restricted to 20 people.
• Visits to aged care and disability care facilities will only be permitted on compassionate grounds.
• Residential school and boarding facilities can resume with a COVID-Safe Plan.
• Only essential travel shall be permitted both in and out of the Perth and Peel regions to other parts of WA.
Schools will also resume in Perth and Peel from Monday.